WHILE Hindus are busily preparing for the Festival of Light – ‘Deepavali’ – Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang and Om Sakthi Spiritual and Charitable Association Malaysia (Butterworth) decided to make the move of bringing the festive joy to the detainees at ‘Penjara Reman Pulau Pinang’ (PRPP).
Representatives from both organisations today distributed 1,750 packets of Deepavali cookies to the detainees in the presence of accommodative and helpful prison wardens.
According to the Penang branch chairman of Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram V. Nanda Kumar, this has been the tradition of his organisation in bringing a message of hope and love to the inmates.
“These people are detached from their family members and as Deepavali is around the corner, we are here to share with them the joy of this festive season.
“Speaking in terms of human rights, I believe that they too deserve to be part of this festival of light thus today together with representatives from Om Sakthi Spiritual and Charitable Association Malaysia (Butterworth), we are distributing the traditional Indian cookies to them,” said Nanda Kumar.
PRPP director Tey Hock Soon conveyed his appreciation to Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang and Om Sakthi Spiritual and Charitable Association Malaysia (Butterworth) for organising the programme and hoped that it will continue in the forthcoming years.
“We hope the NGOs will keep working with us and help in building the community though their visits to the prison and preaching goodwill to the inmates.
“This is a good initiative as it would give them the feel of ‘Deepavali’ as well as bring goodwill and cheers to them,” said Tey.
According to Nanda Kumar, the Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang makes regular visits to the prison which is on every Wednesday to preach good moral values so as to encourage them to turn over a new leaf.
Story & pix by Tanushalini Moroter